GLASS Statement on Transgender Service Policy Reversal

WASHINGTON, DC – The Steering Committee of GLASS Caucus, the professional association for LGBTQ Senate Staff and their allies, released the following statement following the announcement by the President of the United States declaring that transgender individuals will no longer be able to serve in the military:

“Today, President Trump announced that ‘the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.’ An estimated 4,000 transgender Americans actively and selflessly serve in our Armed Forces. These heroes rise to this call for the same reasons as any other American and to turn them away and label them a ‘burden’ does a disservice to all those who have earned the respect and gratitude of the entire nation.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Defense ordered the military to begin allowing transgender personnel to enlist and serve openly. The Steering Committee strongly condemns the Administration’s reversal of this policy. We call upon President Trump and Defense Secretary Mattis to release all relevant studies and findings supporting the conclusion that open service of transgender Americans in the military would have adverse effects on readiness and inflict significant costs on healthcare spending for personnel.”
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